I typically recommend the Ruger P95 for those looking for a semi-auto in that price range.

For a revolver, I'd recommend a police trade-in S&W or Ruger in .38spl or .357Mag. You can usually find several at a typical gun show and prices generally fall in the range listed. Take along a revolver savvy friend and/or use Jim March's revolver checkout procedure that's "stickied" at the top of the revolver subforum of TFL.